NR Positioning Signal Configuration for Low-Latency IIoT Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NR positioning technologies face challenges in meeting low latency requirements for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) scenarios due to high latency in DL-PRS configuration and the need for measurement gaps, which hinder accurate and timely positioning measurements.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves configuring positioning measurements using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling from the gNB to UE, utilizing CSI-RS and SSB resources for reduced latency, and enabling dynamic adjustments such as aperiodic CSI-RS configurations and BWP switching, without requiring measurement gaps, while allowing the gNB to compute device positions under certain conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If DL-PRS configuration is used for positioning measurements, then positioning accuracy is improved, but latency increases due to configuration overhead and measurement gap requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network pre-configures multiple positioning reference signal resources and bandwidth parts before positioning measurements are needed. When positioning is required, the UE can immediately use the pre-configured resources without waiting for configuration signaling, thereby reducing latency while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different bandwidth parts and reference signal resources based on positioning requirements. The network can quickly activate pre-configured resources and switch UE between different BWPs to optimize positioning measurements, enabling fast response without full re-configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If measurement gaps are introduced for positioning measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases due to interrupted data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines positioning reference signal measurements with existing data transmission resources. By configuring multiple BWPs where one BWP is dedicated for positioning while others handle data transmission, the system allows simultaneous positioning measurements and data communication without mutual interference, eliminating the need for measurement gaps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network configures multiple bandwidth parts with different functions - some optimized for data transmission and others for positioning measurements. The UE can dynamically switch between these BWPs, allowing the system to perform positioning measurements without interrupting overall communication productivity since data transmission continues on other BWPs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12581448B2Configuring positioning signals and measurements to reduce latency

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Systems and methods for configuring positioning measurements and quality/uncertainty measurements are provided. The configuration can include using reference signal configurations and signaling for positioning purposes. An access node transmits reference signal configuration information for positioning to a wireless device. The device performs positioning measurements accordingly and transmits a positioning measurement response including measurement quality information.